Medina County author Amari tells a compelling story in a unique way

MEDINA, Ohio - Local author Susan Ranelle Amari has taken a unique approach to handling a difficult topic - the death of a teenager - in her second book, "The Year of the Red Fire Monkey."

Amari's novel follows the success of her debut novel, "Calculated Guess," selected as Best of 2016, by the Akron Beacon Journal.

"The use of the year 2016 allowed me to incorporate topics of local interest -- the Cavs championship and the presidential election -- to echo themes of disruption and surprise, traditional hallmarks of 'Red Monkey' years," Amari said.

The novel also deals with the lingering effects of a young person's death when drugs or alcohol play a significant role. Interestingly, this character is woven into the narrative as a spirit observer, charged with watching the lingering effects of her death on the people she has left behind.

The novel begins with the stories of three women and then, suddenly, the spirit of Jana Robinson, whose 15-year life ended in 2013, is told - her thoughts are written in italics.

Jana has been lifted from Limbo and chosen for spirit promotion. As part of her training, she is to watch a video of 2016 -- The Year of the Red Fire Monkey -- from the perspectives of her survivors: her mother, grandmother, and a woman she barely remembers. Each has filled the gaps surrounding her death with guilt, accusation and excuse.

It's even more interesting to local readers, who will catch all the references to places we know.

A former columnist for The Medina Gazette under her former name, Sue Vitou, Amari's articles have appeared in The Plain Dealer, Universe Bulletin, Chagrin Valley Times, Cleveland Women Working and Sun Newspapers. A recipient of the Award of Excellence in Feature Writing from the Akron chapter of Women in Communications, she has also been a featured writer in Family Circle magazine and the Chicken Soup and Cup of Comfort series.

Join Amari for a book signing from 1 to 3 p.m. March 10 at The Learned Owl Book Shop, 204 N. Main St, Hudson.

She also will be presenting a program about her book at 6:30 p.m. March 20 at Fox Meadows Clubhouse, 4260 Fox Meadows Drive, Medina. The event is sponsored by Wendy Richardson and Connie Dickson, along with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Family of Companies and First Federal of Lakewood. The public is invited.